Cartoonists detained for drawing cartoon depicting Prophet Muhammad and Prophet Moses

ISTANBUL: Four cartoonists were arrested in Turkey for publishing a satirical cartoon in the weekly Leman. Cartoonist Dogan Pehlevan, the editor-in-chief, institutional director and graphic designer were arrested. The cartoon depicted Jesus and the Prophet Muhammad holding hands. The cartoon showed missiles flying from under the Prophet in a war setting, reported Reuters.

The purpose of the illustration was to promote religious harmony during the war. However, the cartoon has been strongly opposed by government officials and religious conservatives. No one has the right to make a bad joke about the sacred values of a faith. The justice minister said that cartoons and pictures involving the Prophet Muhammad could undermine religious harmony and social unity.

This led to a protest at a bar in Istanbul frequented by Leman employees. Police and protesters clashed as they tried to control the situation. An estimated 250 to 300 people took part in the protest. A group of protesters also marched to Leman's office in Istanbul on Monday evening. They chanted slogans and smashed the magazine's entrance gates. The cartoonist did not insult Islam or the Prophet. The magazine explained that the cartoonist intended to highlight the plight of Muslims killed in Israeli attacks.